The Scouts have been in touch with The Edinburgh Reporter to tell us about their growing numbers:-
“Scouting membership in the east of Scotland continues to grow, with 298 new members in the past year
Scouting numbers have increased in 2014 with more girls, boys and adults seeking out everyday adventure.
The total number of young people and adults in East Scotland, who have joined Scouting, has risen by five per cent in the past year and youth membership figures have now reached 6,378.
Scouting continues to grow across the UK where there have been nine years of sustained growth.
Scouting provides an attractive adventure-based programme for young people and adults, which changes their lives and their local communities for the better.
Record numbers of girls continue to join Scouting across East Scotland. More than 60 female Scouts, an increase of 13 per cent on last year, have signed up to the adventure-based challenges of Scouting.
The increase in membership numbers locally reflects the latest Scout census figures which have just been published.
This data provides evidence of sustained growth across the UK for the ninth consecutive year with a membership total of over 550,000, including almost 45,000 in Scotland. This has cemented Scouting as the largest co-educational youth Movement in the country.
The Scout Association, which seeks to transform the lives of young people by providing an inspiring programme of everyday adventure, has confirmed its commitment to further increase the number of young members.
It is launching a plan to recruit a further 58,000 more young people, as well as 18,000 more adult volunteers, by 2018.
Over 200 activities, including adventure glider flights, skiing, rock climbing and water zorbing, are offered by Scouting around the UK, so it’s no surprise that more and more young people are joining the Movement.”
Alice Farrer, a 13-year-old Scout from the Cardrona Scout Group, said:
“Getting involved in Scouting is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I get the opportunity to take part in so many different adventures and I get involved in helping my local community.”
Dylan Lynch, an Assistant Scout Leader with the 30th Craigalmond (Davidson’s Mains) Scout Group, said:
“Being a Scout Leader is one of the most fulfilling things I’ve ever done. It’s something I can do on a flexible basis when I have enough time to spare. It’s great helping young people in my local area get the most out of life and watching them develop week in-week out. I’ve also picked up loads of transferable skills that I’m able to use in my job and wider life.”
Chief Scout Bear Grylls said:
“I am super proud to see so many young people and adults learning new life skills, achieving personal rewards through Scouting in South East Scotland. I am excited to see Scout numbers continue to rise across the UK and the big reasons for this are that more and more young people are realising that Scouting can give them so much – whether it’s the opportunity to be involved with some incredible adventures, learn practical life, outdoor and teamwork skills, or helping to improve their local communities. People don’t want to miss out and Scouting brings them all together, empowers them and allows them to make a positive impact.”
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
